Fair Winds Charter

The Fair Winds Charter (FWC) is an industry-led, voluntary, at-berth fuel switching programme for ocean-going vessels (OGVs) calling at Hong Kong. It is the first initiative of its kind in Asia, and the only shipping-industry led fuel switching initiative in the world. Participating vessels switch to low sulphur fuel (0.5% sulphur content or less) while at berth in Hong Kong.

In 25 January 2013, the Hong Kong shipping industry extended the FWC until December 2013. Participating shipping lines, as well as supporting organizations, urge regional governments to introduce legislation for at berth fuel-switching this year, and collaborate across the PRD region to regulate in line with international standards as quickly as possible.

The Hong Kong Environmental Protection Department and Marine Department introduced the Port Facilities and Light Dues Incentive Scheme in September 2012 for vessels that switching to low sulphur fuel at berth in Hong Kong.

Fair Winds Charter 2011-2012:

Fair Winds Charter (FWC)

As participants in the Fair Winds Charter 2012-2013, 15 shipping lines, 2 cruise lines and 1 autoliner switched to fuel with 0.5% sulphur content or less “to the maximum extent possible” while at berth in Hong Kong from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2012. They called on the Hong Kong and Guangdong governments to work together to regulate emissions from ships across the Pearl River Delta region. Maersk and APL began this fuel switch in September and October 2010, respectively. If all of these shipping lines’ ships calling at Hong Kong switch to the cleanest type of fuel available (0.1%), SO2 emissions would drop by 80% from the shipping industry.

The FWC was initially proposed during a “Green Harbours” meeting, convened and facilitated by Civic Exchange. Civic Exchange has been hosting “Green Harbours” meetings since 2007. These events bring together stakeholders from the port and shipping communities, including government representatives, fuel providers, and academics to discuss ways to reduce the impact of their operations.

Royal visit brings focus on fuel switching effort:

On 23 November 2010, His Royal Highness Prince Joachim of Denmark visited Maersk vessel Salalah while it is at berth in Hong Kong. HRH performed the actual fuel switch on Salalah Maersk and took a guided tour of the vessel.